Obon Festival 2026
SFVHBT is hosting its annual summer Obon Festival at the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center on Saturday, June 27th from 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday, June 28th from 4:30 p.m – 9 p.m.
Last year’s event was tremendously successful and enjoyable, and our sangha and friends look forward to providing our community with a true “Gathering of Joy” at this year’s Obon Festival.
Everyone is invited to dust off their green temple shirts and aprons as we humbly ask for your help with set-up/prep, booth shift, or clean-up. Be a part of showcasing our legacy of Japanese traditions, culture, and Buddhist teachings. Join us in one of many booth options: Bake Sale, Spam Musubi / Sushi, Raffle, Chicken Teriyaki, Chinese Chicken Salad, Beer and Wine Garden, a game booth, Bingo , Flea Market, Bookstore and more. Don’t forget to invite your family and friends!
Held at the SFVJACC. Plan to arrive early both days to take in all Obon has to offer…
*SFVJACC SHOWCASE * TAIKO PERFORMANCES * BONSAI EXHIBIT * JAPANESE DOLL MAKING EXHIBIT * JAPANESE FLEA MARKET *TEMPLE BOOKSTORE * BUDDHISM IN WWII DISPLAY * SENIOR ARTS & CRAFTS *COMMUNITY NON-PROFIT DISPLAYS/TABLES * FAMILY-FRIENDLY GAMES *RAFFLE DRAWING * DELICIOUS FOOD AND DRINK * OBON ODORI DANCING *
Dancers of all ages in colorful kimono and happi coats perform traditional Japanese folk dances celebrating the Buddhist “Festival of Joy,” which started centuries ago as a religious custom to remember and express gratitude to deceased loved ones. All attendees are encouraged to join the simple and fun dances, led by teachers and the sound of rhythmic music.
Attendees can participate in the tradition of Japanese Obon Odori dancing and enjoy other cultural and ethnic experiences such as taiko drum performances, Japanese calligraphy and doll exhibits, and a variety of tasty ethnic foods.
Highlighting the festival are ethnic Japanese and American foods for sale, including chicken teriyaki, udon noodles, sushi, spam musubi, refreshing shave ice, delicious baked goods, and many other delectable items.
Enjoy family carnival games and prizes, enter our raffle, and cool off in our Bingo Hall with its Buddhist bookstore and flea market for Japanese goods and apparel.
Obon Festival
June 27-28
Obon Festival Hours
Saturday, June 27th from 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday, June 28th from 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Bon Odori Dancing
TBD
Obon Dance Practices
Tuesday, June 23 & Thursday, June 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple parking lot.
Bring kachi kachi, tenugui (towel), and uchiwa (round fan). No prior dancing experience required. Please join us, we will see you then!
Community Center Demonstrations
Obon Festival now features demonstrations by SFV Japanese American Community Center Clubs. Visit the gym and dojo to watch our talented community perform, and then head to the yagura for taiko and obon dancing.
Admission
Free
Festival Location
San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center, 12953 Branford Street, Pacoima, CA 91331
Parking is available on the surrounding streets. Pets are not allowed due to health regulations.
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